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2012 ford f-450 Model Overview

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Ford’s heaviest-duty F-450 truck carries over for 2012 completely unchanged after receiving a new Ford-designed 6.7-liter turbodiesel engine last year.

While the 2012 Ford F-450 lacks the choices provided in the 2012 F-250 and 2012 F-350, the 2012 F-450 makes up for it in towing capacity. Ford’s F-450 comes in four trim levels, varying from the work-truck oriented F-450 XL, to the luxury-hauler F-450 King Ranch. All F-450’s come standard as Crew Cabs, with an 8 foot bed, four-wheel drive, dual rear wheels, and with the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8 producing 400 hp and a massive 800 lb-ft of torque as the only engine option. The diesel is mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The interior of the 2012 F-450 ranges from the no-frills vinyl-covered worker’s special F-450 XL, to lavishly equipped in the top-of-the-line F-450 King Ranch. Towing capacity is the same for all F-450s; all can tow a maximum of 17,500 pounds from the hitch. When equipped with the factory-installed fifth wheel, the F-450 can tow a maximum of 24,500 lbs, nearing the point at which some states require a commercial driver’s license.

Nothing is new on Ford’s heaviest hauler, the F-450, for the 2012 model year. All F-450s come standard with the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8, four-wheel drive, dual rear wheels, and six-speed automatic standard. The F-450 is also only available in a four-door Crew Cab configuration, with an 8-foot long bed. The trim levels remain the same as last year. The trim levels range from the F-450 XL, the F-450 XLT, F-450 Lariat, and the fully loaded luxo-liner F-450 King Ranch.

Taking cues from Ford’s Super Chief Concept from a few years back, the Ford F-450’s Tonka-esque exterior looks like it means business. The F-450’s grille uses two thick, solid horizontal bars in either black or chrome depending on trim level. All grilles sport a huge 13-inch-wide Ford blue oval right dead center. The hood of the 2012 F-450 truck is notable for its power dome, which was designed to allow clearance for the 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8 when it was added to the lineup last year.

Overall we found the interior of the F-250 (shared with the F-450) to be a rather pleasant place to be. On our First Drive of the F-250 King Ranch, we found that although it still rode like a truck, the ride was comfortable and quiet. We also found the King Ranch’s leather seats to be comfortable on the long haul, but without luring the driver into a deep sleep. We also liked the driver’s information screen, finding it both logical and easy to use.

While we have yet to test an F-450, we did test a similarly-equipped F-350 King Ranch dually, equipped with the same 400-hp 6.7-liter turbodiesel V-8 with 800 lb-ft of torque that’s found in the F-450. In our testing, that F-350 took 8.3 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill empty. That same F-350 stopped from 60 mph in 143 feet, also un-laden. We expect the F-450’s performance to not be far off that mark. Towing capacity is the same for all F-450s; all can tow a maximum of 17,500 pounds from the hitch. When equipped with the factory-installed fifth wheel, the F-450 can tow a maximum of 24,500 lbs, which is almost the point where one needs a commercial driver’s license in many states.

The F-450 comes standard with AdvanceTrac traction control and roll stability control to prevent the top-heavy truck from flipping. Surely to win favors among those who use their F-450s to tow, all come standard with Ford’s Trailer Sway Control, which works to both prevent trailer sway and the lock up of the trailer’s brakes. To help tow heavy loads up steep grades, all F-450s include standard hill start assist to prevent rollback and a potential accident.

Manning will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. This action is the same as the service campaign action. The recall began in July 2014. Owners may contact Manning at 1-800-876-8768.

Units Affected

10

Recall ID#14V379000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Utility Truck will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Utility Truck customer service at 1-254-857-8813.

Units Affected

16

Recall ID#14V494000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Vanair will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Vanair customer service at 1-800-526-8817.

Units Affected

49

Recall ID#13V535000 - ENGINE

Consequence

An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.

Units Affected

2951

Recall ID#14V382000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Somerset will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began August 2014. Owner's may contact Somerset customer service at 1-800-777-2671.

Units Affected

4

Recall ID#14V379000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Utility Truck will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Utility Truck customer service at 1-254-857-8813.

Units Affected

16

Recall ID#14V360000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Palfleet will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on July 29, 2014. Owners may contact Palfleet customer service at 1- 502-376-2458.

Engine shut down and a subsequent cool down period may delay medical treatment or assistance to those needing it, increasing their risk of injury.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured February 22, 2010, to January 30, 2015, and equipped with ambulance or fire engine preparation packages. The affected vehicles may detect an incorrect Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensor (EGT) fault indicating that the vehicle is too hot, causing the engine management system to shut down the engine and prevent its immediate restart.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S09.

Units Affected

6322

Recall ID#14V498000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.

Units Affected

3

Recall ID#14V496000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Versalift will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2014. Owners may contact Versalift customer service at 1-888-866-1400.

Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.

Remedy

Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.

Units Affected

37

Recall ID#14V507000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Jerr-Dan will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Jerr-Dan customer service at 1-800-926-9666.

Units Affected

76

Recall ID#14V328000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners and dealers to inspect the Muncie PTO pressure switch to determine if it is from the range of defective switches and if required, remove the pressure switch assembly and put a plug in the port where the PTO switch had been installed. This switch was never being utilized. This will be done free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in mid-July 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1-800-247-5958.

Remedy

Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2014. Owners may contact Iowa Mold Tooling Co., Inc. at 1-800-247-5958.

Units Affected

21

Recall ID#14V327000 - EQUIPMENT

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Stahl will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. Owners may contact Stahl customer service at 1-800-277-8245, or Muncie at 1-800-367-7867.

Units Affected

10

Recall ID#14V382000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

Consequence

The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.

Somerset will notify owners, and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began August 2014. Owner's may contact Somerset customer service at 1-800-777-2671.

Units Affected

4

Recall ID#11V582000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Consequence

THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

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